Cup assembly

ABSTRACT

A cup is provided having a lid with a spout defined by walls tapered towards a distal end of the spout. The lid has handles extending therefrom that are preferably formed of a first and second material having different Shore A hardnesses to define a rigid portion and a gripping portion.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of prior application Ser. No.12/456,298, filed Jun. 15, 2009, which is a continuation of priorapplication Ser. No. 10/404,919, filed Apr. 1, 2003, which is acontinuation-in-part of prior U.S. Design application Ser. No.29/168,356, filed Oct. 1, 2002, and a continuation-in-part of prior U.S.application Ser. No. 09/908,099, filed Jul. 18, 2001, which is acontinuation-in-part of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/645,975 filed on Feb. 4, 2000 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,415,which is a continuation of prior U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/019,765 filed on Feb. 6, 1998 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,445.The disclosures of application Ser. No. 12/456,298, filed Jun. 15, 2009,application Ser. No. 10/404,918, filed Apr. 1, 2003, U.S. Designapplication Ser. No. 29/168,356, filed Oct. 1, 2002, U.S. applicationSer. No. 09/908,099, filed Jul. 18, 2001, U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/645,975 filed on Feb. 4, 2000 and issued as U.S. Pat. No.6,422,415, and U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/019,765 filed on Feb.6, 1998 and issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,445 are hereby incorporated byreference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to cups. More particularly, the presentinvention relates to infant cup assemblies.

2. Description of the Prior Art

Cups designed especially for use by infants or children are known. Suchcups are intended to facilitate the gripping of the cup by the infant.Contemporary devices often employ gripping structures that are formed onthe surface of the bottle.

A baby bottle with an outer surface that has been adapted to providehandles intended to allow infants and children to better grip thebottle, is disclosed in U.S. Pat. No. 5,215,203 to Malcolm. The bottlehas at least two sets of handles that are formed integrally with thebottle by a plurality of recesses extending vertically along asubstantial length of the bottle. The recesses have either side wallsthat converge towards each other as they extend towards a centrallongitudinal axis of the bottle or side walls that are parallel to eachother. The lobe shaped handles resulting from the converging side wallsand the rectangular shaped handles resulting from the parallel sidewalls, allow an infant or child to partially grasp or hold the handles.The bottles provide limited assistance to infants or children becausethey do not allow for a complete or nearly complete closure of theinfants hands around the handles.

Other cups designed especially for use by infants or children includeorifices that are intended to reduce spillage of fluid from the cup.Such cups have drinking orifices and separate air vents, which allow theuser to drink from the orifice without creating excessive vacuum in thecup. However, drinking orifices and air vents are liable to leak liquidstored in the cup between feedings, or if dropped during use. Drinkingorifices and the surrounding lid structure through which the orificesare disposed, have a lasting effect on the child's lip placement whichcan impact the child's ability to feed and swallow.

Certain cups have been developed that use valving mechanisms at theorifice and at the air vent. These valves respond to suction generatedduring feeding to open and allow liquid to pass through the orifice andto allow air to enter the air vent when a vacuum is developed in theinterior of the cup. Patents disclosing such valves include U.S. Pat.No. 5,079,013 to Belanger, U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,415 to Manganiello, U.S.Pat. No. 6,050,445 to Manganiello and U.S. Pat. No. RE 37,016 to Morano,which are commonly assigned or licensed to the assignee of the presentapplication. Applicant hereby incorporates the disclosure of thesepatents by reference.

Accordingly, there is a need for cups having handles, which facilitategripping and grasping by infants, and motivate infants to use suchhandles. There is also a need for handles on cups having sufficientstrength to withstand use by children. There is a further need for cupshaving lids and orifices that facilitate use by children, includingpromoting proper lip closure around the orifice.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the present invention to provide a cup assembly thatassists infants and children in holding the cup assembly.

It is another object of the present invention to provide such a cupassembly that promotes better hand-to-mouth coordination.

It is yet another object of the present invention to provide such a cupassembly that promotes independent cup drinking in the child.

It is still another object of the present invention to provide such acup assembly that reduces or eliminates leakage and spillage.

It is a further object of the present invention to provide such a cupassembly that facilitates use of the spout.

It is another further object of the present invention to provide such acup assembly that facilitates generation of a suction force and promotesimproved flow-rate through the orifice.

It is yet a further object of the present invention to provide such acup that promotes proper lip closure.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide such acup assembly that promotes better lip approximation.

These and other objects and advantages of the present invention areprovided by a lid for a cup comprising a lid body removably securable tothe cup; an orifice; and a handle having a rigid portion and a grippingportion. The rigid portion is formed from a first material, the grippingportion is formed from a second material, and the first material has ahigher Shore A hardness than the second material. The lid body can havea spout with the orifice formed therethrough. The handle can have anupper surface and a lower surface with the gripping portion at leastpartially covering the upper surface and substantially covering thelower surface.

In another aspect of the invention, a cup assembly for an infant isprovided comprising a cup defining an inner volume; a lid having anorifice in fluid communication with the inner volume and the lid beingremovably securable to the cup; and a handle having a rigid portion anda gripping portion. The rigid portion is formed from a first material,the gripping portion is formed from a second material, and the first andsecond materials are integrally molded. The first material has a higherShore A hardness than the second material.

In another aspect of the invention, a cup assembly for an infant isprovided comprising a cup defining an inner volume; a lid having anorifice in fluid communication with the inner volume and the lid beingremovably securable to the cup; and a handle comprising a rigid portionand a gripping portion and having a proximal end and a distal end. Therigid portion is formed from a first material and the gripping portionis formed from a second material. The first material has a higher ShoreA hardness than the second material. The proximal end is secured to thelid and the distal end is separated from the cup by a first distancewhen the lid is secured to the cup. The first distance is large enoughto allow a hand of the infant to pass between the cup and the distal endof the handle.

In another aspect of the invention, a cup assembly is provided whichcomprises a cup defining an inner volume, and a lid having a spout, anorifice and a handle. The orifice is disposed through the spout. Thehandle has a rigid portion and a gripping portion. The rigid portion hasa channel. The rigid portion is formed from at least a first materialand the gripping portion is formed from at least a second material. Thefirst material has a higher Shore A Hardness than the second material. Afirst portion of the second material is disposed in the channel and asecond portion of the second material is disposed adjacent to thechannel.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of making a handle for acup assembly is provided. The method comprises molding a rigid portionof the handle from a first material, with the rigid portion having atleast one channel formed therein. The method further comprises molding agripping portion of the handle from a second material, with the grippingportion having at least a first portion disposed in the channel. Thefirst material has a higher Shore A Hardness than the second material.

In another aspect of the invention, a method of making a lid isprovided. The method comprises molding a rigid portion of the lid from afirst material, with the rigid portion having a lid body, a spout, and ahandle. The handle has at least one channel formed therein. The methodfurther comprises molding a gripping portion of the lid from a secondmaterial, with the gripping portion having at least a first portiondisposed in the channel. The first material has a higher Shore AHardness than the second material.

The rigid portion can have a channel formed therein, with at least aportion of the second material disposed in the channel. The channel canbe first and second channels disposed at least partially along the rigidportion. The rigid portion can have first, second and third wallsintegrally formed with each other and defining the first and secondchannels. The first and second walls can be substantially orthogonal tothe third wall. The handle can have an upper surface and a lower surfacewith the first wall of the rigid portion at least partially defining theupper surface, and with the gripping portion at least partially definingthe lower surface.

The rigid portion can have a rib disposed along at least one of thefirst and second channels, and the rib can be substantially parallelwith the first and second walls. The rib can be disposed in proximity tothe proximal end of the handle. The first wall can have a wave-likeshape, with the gripping portion having a corresponding wave-like shapeadjacent to the first wall, and substantially defining the lowersurface. The third wall can have a projection formed therein, and thesecond material can be molded over the projection to form a grippingabutment. The gripping abutment can be disposed in proximity to thedistal end of the handle.

The first material can be a polypropylene and the second material can bea thermoplastic elastomer. The lid can have a spout and the orifice canbe formed in the spout. The lid can have a vent hole formed therein.There can also be a flow control valve in fluid communication with theorifice, the vent hole and the inner volume, wherein the valve limitsflow from the inner volume through the orifice. The handle can be a pairof handles extending from the lid and diametrically opposed along thelid. The spout can have an ellipsoidal cross-sectional area. The spoutcan have a distal end, and can be inwardly tapered toward the distalend. The spout can have a top wall, with the orifice being disposedthrough the top wall, and with the top wall having an upwardly arcuateor dome-like shape.

The molding of the gripping portion can include disposing a secondportion of the second material adjacent to the channel. The molding ofthe rigid portion can include integrally forming a first wall, a secondwall and a third wall, with the third wall connecting the first andsecond walls. The molding of the rigid portion can include forming asubstantially planar bottom surface along the channel.

Other and further objects, advantages and features of the presentinvention will be understood by reference to the following.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front perspective view of a cup assembly of the presentinvention;

FIG. 2 is a rear view of the cup assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a top view of the cup assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 is a front view of the flow control valve for the cup assembly ofFIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a top perspective view of the cup of FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is a front view of the lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a bottom perspective view of the lid of FIG. 1;

FIG. 9 is a front perspective view of the lid of FIG. 8 without agripping portion;

FIG. 10 is a front view of the lid of FIG. 9 without the grippingportion;

FIG. 11 is a side view of the lid of FIG. 9 without the grippingportion;

FIG. 12 is a bottom view of the lid of FIG. 9 without the grippingportion;

FIG. 13 is a front view of an alternative embodiment of the lid of FIG.8 without a gripping portion;

FIG. 14 is a bottom perspective view of another alternative embodimentof the lid of FIG. 8 without a gripping portion;

FIG. 15 is a front view of a prior art PLAYTEX® conventional lid;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the prior art PLAYTEX® conventional lid ofFIG. 15;

FIG. 17 is a top view of the prior art PLAYTEX® conventional lid of FIG.15;

FIG. 18 is a front view of a prior art GERBER® conventional lid;

FIG. 19 is a side view of the prior art GERBER® conventional lid of FIG.18; and

FIG. 20 is a top view of the prior art GERBER® conventional lid of FIG.18.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings and, in particular, FIGS. 1 through 4, thereis shown a preferred embodiment of a cup assembly of the presentinvention, generally represented by reference numeral 10. Cup assembly10 has a cup or container 100, a cap or lid 200, a spout 300 extendingfrom the lid, and a valve or flow control element 700 (FIG. 4).

Referring to FIG. 5, cup 100 has a substantially cylindrical shapedefining an inner volume 105. Cup 100 has a top portion 110 having anopen end 115, a middle portion 140 and a bottom portion 160. Middleportion 140 can have a diameter that is smaller than the diameter of topportion 110 or bottom portion 160 to provide an hour-glass like shape.Alternative shapes can also be used for cup 100, such as, for example,tapered.

Top portion 110 has an outer surface 120 with threads 125 formedthereon. The preferred embodiment has threads 125 for removably engaginglid 200 with cup 100. However, alternative engagement structures ormethods can also be used to engage lid 200 with cup 100, such as, forexample, a snap fit. Cup 100 is preferably transparent orsemi-transparent, which provides for visual indication of the contentsand amount within the cup, and also can encourage or promote use by achild through visual stimulation. Cup 100 can also be opaque.

Referring to FIGS. 1 through 8, lid 200 has a center member or lid body210, an annular flange 250, spout 300 (which will be described later ingreater detail), an air vent 345 and handles 400. Center member 210 hasan upper surface 220 and a lower surface 230. Preferably, center member210 has a circular shape. More preferably, center member 210 has anupwardly convex or dome-like shape. However, alternative shapes can alsobe used for center member 210, such as, for example, flat or concave.Annular flange 250 extends downwardly from the outer circumference ofcenter member 210 to provide a sealing or mating surface between lid 200and cup 100.

Annular flange 250 has an outer surface 260 and an inner surface 270.Outer surface 260 preferably has gripping structures 265 securedthereto. In the preferred embodiment, gripping structures 265 are anumber or series of tear-drop shaped projections formed integrally withouter surface 260 of flange 250. Preferably, gripping structures 265 areequi-distantly spaced apart. Alternative shapes, designs and/or patternsfor gripping structures 265 can also be used to facilitate removableengagement of lid 200 with cup 100, such as, for example, bubbles orwave-like grooves or ridges. Inner surface 270 has threads 275 securedthereto. Threads 275 mate with threads 125 of cup 100 to removablyengage the cup with the lid 200. However, as described above,alternative engagement structures or methods can be used.

Lower surface 230 of center member 210 has a liquid mating surface 235and a vent mating surface 240. Mating surfaces 235, 240, are preferablyadjacent to, or incorporated into, spout 300 and air vent 345, so as tofrictionally engage flow control valve 700 and place the valve in fluidcommunication with the spout and air vent. In the preferred embodiment,mating surfaces 235, 240 are cylindrical channels integrally molded withcenter member 210 below spout 300 and below air vent 345, respectively.Cylindrical channels 235, 240 have a size and shape to mate with flowcontrol valve 700. Preferably, cylindrical channels 235, 240 have aninner size and shape to engage with flow control valve 700. Lowersurface 230 can also have a valve securing member 245, which engageswith a corresponding structure on flow control valve 700 to orientateand/or assist in holding the valve in position. In the preferredembodiment, valve securing member 245 is a substantially planar, arcuatemember extending orthogonally from lower surface 230 of lid 200.

Flow control element or valve mechanism 700 has first valve portion orstack 730 and second valve portion or stack 732 connected together bysubstrate 738. Each valve portion 730, 732 has a lower portion 726, anupper portion 728 and valve faces 736 bearing slits. Each valve portion730, 732 is configured to frictionally engage cylindrical channels 235,240, respectively, and place flow control valve 700 in fluidcommunication with spout 300 and air vent 345, respectively.

Flow control element 700 preferably has a concave shaped valve face 736of valve portions 730 and 732, and, in conjunction with the attendantcurved shape of slits, provides superior fluid flow rate through theslit over existing valve configurations. U.S. Pat. No. 5,079,013 toBelanger, U.S. Pat. No. RE 37,016 to Morano, U.S. Pat. No. 6,050,445 toManganiello and U.S. Pat. No. 6,422,415 to Manganiello depict examplesof valves that are usable with the present invention. Additionally,alternative flow control mechanisms and valves can also be placed influid communication with spout 300 and/or air vent 345 to provide aresistance to flow or an inhibitor to spillage and shakeout, absent asucking force, including a separate pair of stack valves thatindividually mate with cylindrical mating surfaces 235, 240.

Handles 400 are preferably a pair of handles that extend curvinglydownward from annular flange 250 toward bottom portion 160 of cup 100.Preferably, handles 400 extend substantially down in proximity to bottomportion 160 of cup 100. Handles 400 are preferably diametrically opposedalong annular flange 250. Handles 400 have a proximal end 450 where thehandle is connected to flange 250, and a distal end 455. Handles 400have a length and width that allow an infant or child to fully grasp thehandles and preferably allow closure of the entire hand around thehandles. Handles 400 preferably extend at least half way down cup 100.Handles 400 have a curvature and shape that provides for sufficientspace between the handles and cup 100 for the hand of the infant orchild when holding the handles. Preferably, handles 400 are separatedfrom cup 100 at distal end 455 a sufficient distance to allow the infantor child's hand to pass between the distal end and the cup. The size,shape and positioning of handles 400 promote better hand-to-mouthcoordination for the child or infant.

Handles 400 have a rigid portion 420, a gripping portion 460 and agripping abutment 480. Gripping portion 460 is an area or portion ofhandle 400 that is more flexible, resilient and/or softer than rigidportion 420, to facilitate grasping and holding of the handle by theinfant or child. In the preferred embodiment, gripping portion 460 ismolded from a different material than rigid portion 420 to provide forthe difference in flexibility, resiliency and softness. The differentmaterials have different levels of hardness or Shore A Hardness.Preferably, rigid portion 420 and the remaining parts of lid 200, i.e.,center member 210, annular flange 250 and spout 300, are made of thesame material and more preferably are integrally molded with each other.

Rigid portion 420 is preferably molded from a rigid material, such as,for example, a polypropylene. Preferably, gripping portion 460 is moldedfrom a flexible, resilient and/or softer material, such as, for example,a thermoplastic elastomer (TPE). The TPE of gripping portion 460preferably has a lower hardness or Shore A Hardness than the hardness orShore A Hardness of rigid portion 420. While the preferred embodimenthas rigid portion 420 made of a first material and gripping portion 460made of a second material, the present disclosure contemplates more thantwo materials, such as, for example, the rigid portion being a pluralityof materials and/or the gripping portion being a plurality of materials.

Handle 400 has an upper or over-surface 402 and a lower or under-surface404. Gripping portion 460 is preferably formed along under-surface 404and substantially covers the under-surface. More preferably, grippingportion 460 substantially covers under-surface 404 and wraps aroundsides 405 of handles 400 to partially cover the over-surface 402. In thepreferred embodiment, gripping portion 460 partially wraps aroundover-surface 402 and has ends 406, 407 with a wave-like shape, whichfacilitates grasping of the handles 400. The wave-like shape of ends406, 407 further accommodates varying sizes of hands and varyingpositioning of hands on handles 400. Gripping abutment 480 is formedalong the under-surface 404 of handle 400 near distal end 455 andfurther facilitates grasping of the handle. Preferably, grippingabutment 480 is a circular or semi-spherical projection.

Gripping portion 460 provides an infant or child with a differenttexture or feel, as compared to rigid portion 420. This providestextural stimulus for the use of handles 400. Preferably, grippingportion 460 has a different color than the color of rigid portion 420 toprovide a visual stimulus for the use of handles 400. Other visual andtextural stimuli can also be further provided on handles 400 to furthermotivate the child to utilize the handles, such as, for example,decorations or embossments. In the preferred embodiment, rigid portion420 and gripping portion 460 are opaque. However, either or both ofrigid portion 420 and gripping portion 460 can be transparent orsemi-transparent. The transparency or semi-transparency of lid 100provides for visual indication of the contents and amount within thecup, and also can encourage or promote use by a child through visualstimulation.

Referring to FIGS. 6 through 12, preferably a first material is molded,and more preferably injection molded, to form rigid portion 420 ofhandles 400, as well as center member 210, annular flange 250 and spout300 of lid 200. To provide for a flow path for a second material whichis more flexible, resilient and/or softer (with a lower hardness orShore A Hardness) and to facilitate bonding of the first material ofrigid portion 420 with the second material, the rigid portion preferablyhas an outer or first wall 425, an inner or second wall 430 and a centeror third wall 435.

Outer wall 425 and inner wall 430 are substantially equidistantly spacedapart and connected by center wall 435. Preferably, center wall 435 issubstantially perpendicular or orthogonal to outer and inner walls 425,430 to define a generally U-shaped channel 440. Channels 440 arepreferably formed by outer, inner and center walls 425, 430, 435 alongopposing sides of rigid portion 420. The molding process for lid 200 andhandles 400 is preferably a two-shot injection molding technique using afirst material, such as polypropylene, for rigid portion 420, and asecond material, such as TPE, for gripping portion 460.

Preferably, there is at least one rib 445 formed in channel 440. Morepreferably, there are two ribs 445 in each channel 440. Ribs 445 provideadditional strength and integrity to handles 400. Ribs 445 arepreferably formed in channels 440 in proximity to proximal end 450 ofhandles 400. Preferably, ribs 445 are generally parallel to outer andinner walls 425, 430 and have a shape or curvature that is similar tothe shape or curvature of channel 440. The shape, size and positioningof ribs 445 preferably reduce flow resistance and further facilitateflow of the second material into and along or through the channel 440.Ribs 445 increase the surface contact area between the first and secondmaterials, and improve the bonding between the first and secondmaterials of rigid portion 420 and gripping portion 460.

In the preferred embodiment, outer wall 425 of rigid portion 420 has awave-like shape so that gripping portion 460 has a correspondingwave-like shape along handles 400. To form gripping abutment 480, asemi-circular projection 485 is formed in center wall 435 along distalend 455 of the rigid portion 420. The second material is molded over theprojection 485 to form gripping abutment 480. Rigid portion 420 has anend wall 490 formed in distal end 455, which provides further rigidityto handle 400, improves the bonding between the rigid portion and thegripping portion 460, and provides a terminus for the flow of the secondmaterial of the gripping portion. Preferably, end wall 490 issubstantially perpendicular to outer and center walls 425, 435.

In the preferred embodiment, inner wall 430 extends only partially alonghandle 400. However, alternatively, inner wall 430 can fully extendalong handle 400. Also, in the preferred embodiment, channels 440 aredisposed on opposing sides of rigid portion 420 and run partially alongthe rigid portion. However, the present disclosure contemplates anynumber of channels 400, which may be disposed in various orientationsand positions along rigid portion 420.

Referring to FIGS. 13 and 14, alternative embodiments of lid 200 withrigid portions 1320, 1420, respectively, are shown. Features of FIGS. 13and 14 similar to the features of the preferred embodiment of FIGS. 1through 12, have the same reference numerals. The rigid portion 1320 ofFIG. 13 has channel 440 formed by outer, inner and center walls 425,430, 435. But the channels 440 do not have ribs disposed at proximal end450, compared to the preferred embodiment shown in FIGS. 9 through 12.

The rigid portion 1420 of FIG. 14 has outer wall 425 formed orthogonallywith a center wall 1435. But rigid portion 1420 does not have an innerwall secured to center wall 1435 and does not form a channel along rigidportion 1420, such as in the preferred embodiment. Rigid portion 1420also does not have an end wall at distal end 455, such as in thepreferred embodiment. Rigid portion 1420 has a number or series ofapertures or holes 1450 formed through center wall 1435. In contrast,the center wall 435 of rigid portion 420 of the preferred embodiment,does not have apertures, and provides a generally planar solid bottomsurface of channel 440 along the flow path of the second material ofgripping portion 460. Apertures 1450 of rigid portion 1420 createorthogonal contact surfaces along center wall 1435 between the rigidportion and the gripping portion 460, and the second material of thegripping portion flows through the apertures.

In the preferred embodiment, handles 400 are a pair of handlesintegrally formed on opposing sides of lid 200 with a space provided atdistal ends 455 of the handles. However, it is contemplated by thepresent disclosure for alternative numbers and positions of handles 400to be used. It is further contemplated by the present disclosure forhandles 400 to be integrally formed with cup 100 at bottom portion 160of the cup to provide a separation or space from the cup in proximity tolid 100 or for the handles to be integrally formed with the cup at boththe top and bottom portions 110, 160. It is also contemplated by thepresent disclosure for handles 400 to be a separate structure that issecured to cup 100 and/or lid 200, and/or removably secured, such as,for example, a handle ring having handles 400 extending therefrom. It isalso contemplated by the present disclosure that gripping portion 460 isformed with, or secured to, rigid portion 420 in other ways, such as,for example, friction fit or adhesive.

During the molding process, an unexpected and significant resultoccurred with the use of ribs 445 disposed in channels 440, as comparedto rigid portions 1320, and 1420 that did not have ribs. It wasdiscovered that ribs 445 prevented sink marks from developing ingripping portion 460 when the second material was molded into andthrough channels 440. In rigid portions 1320, 1420, sink marks developedin the area of proximal end 450, which distorted the intended shape ofgripping portion 460 and had a significant negative impact on thestrength and integrity of handles 400.

Additionally, during the molding process, an unexpected and significantresult occurred with the use of channels 440 and the generally planarbottom surface (center wall 435) along the flow path of the secondmaterial of gripping portion 460, as compared to rigid portion 1420,which has apertures 1450 formed through center wall 1435. It wasdiscovered that channels 440 and the generally planar solid bottomsurface of center wall 435 significantly improved the flow of the secondmaterial through channels 440, resulting in an improved bond between therigid and gripping portions 420, 460, and further provided for asmoother outer surface of the gripping portion.

Referring to FIGS. 3 and 6 through 12, spout 300 has a front wall 310, arear wall 320, a first side wall 330, a second side wall 340 and a topwall 350. Top wall 350 has a number of holes 360 formed therethrough.Front wall 310, rear wall 320, first and second side walls 330, 340 andtop wall 350 are integrally molded, and define a spout volume 305 thatis in fluid communication with inner volume 105 of cup 100 (through flowcontrol valve 700) and with holes 360. In this embodiment, two holes 360are shown but other numbers of holes can also be used.

Top wall 350 has an upwardly convex or arcuate shape and forms chamferededges with front and rear walls 310, 320 and first and second side walls330, 340. Top wall 350 has a radius of curvature r₁. Preferably, radiusof curvature r₁ is from about 0.25 inches to about 0.5 inches, morepreferably from about 0.35 inches to about 0.40 inches, and mostpreferably about 0.38 inches.

Front wall 310 has an outwardly convex shape with a radius of curvaturer₂. Rear wall 320 has an outwardly convex shape, in the oppositedirection of front wall 310, with a radius of curvature r₃. Preferably,radius of curvature r₂ is from about 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches,more preferably from about 4.0 inches to about 6.0 inches, and mostpreferably about 5.0 inches. Preferably, radius of curvature r₃ is fromabout 3.0 inches to about 7.0 inches, more preferably from about 4.0inches to about 6.0 inches, and most preferably about 5.0 inches.Preferably, radius of curvature r₂ and radius of curvature r₃ are equal.The periphery of front wall 310 and the periphery of rear wall 320 havearcuate shapes and are preferably aligned so that first sidewall 330 andsecond sidewall 340 are essentially chamfered edges of spout 300.Preferably, front and rear walls 310, 320 define an ellipsoidalcross-sectional shape for spout 300.

Spout 300 has a distal end 370, a proximal end 380 and a height h₁.Distal end 370 of spout 300 has a width w₁ and a depth d₁. Proximal end380 of spout 300 has a width w₂ and a depth d₂. Preferably, height h₁ isfrom about 0.80 inches to about 1.80 inches, more preferably from about1.0 inches to about 1.40 inches, and most preferably about 1.20 inches.Preferably, width w₁ is from about 0.50 inches to about 0.90 inches,more preferably from about 0.60 inches to about 0.70 inches, and mostpreferably about 0.69 inches. Preferably, width w₂ is from about 0.80inches to about 1.20 inches, more preferably from about 0.90 inches toabout 1.10 inches, and most preferably about 0.97 inches. Preferably,depth d₁ is from about 0.10 inches to about 0.25 inches, more preferablyfrom about 0.15 inches to about 0.22 inches, and most preferably about0.20 inches. Preferably, depth d₂ is from about 0.25 inches to about0.75 inches, more preferably from about 0.40 inches to about 0.60inches, and most preferably about 0.56 inches.

Front and rear walls 310, 320 are inwardly tapered toward distal end370. Preferably, front and rear walls 310, 320 are inwardly taperedalong a substantially straight line or constant slope. Front wall 310has an angle of taper α₁. Rear wall 320 has an angle of taper α₂.Preferably, taper angle α₁ is from about 5° to about 15°, morepreferably from about 10° to about 14°, and most preferably about 13.5°.Preferably, taper angle α₂ is from about 5° to about 15°, morepreferably from about 10° to about 14°, and most preferably about 13.5°.Taper angle α₁ and taper angle α₂ are preferably equal.

First and second side walls 330, 340 are inwardly tapered toward distalend 370. Preferably, first and second side walls 330, 340 are inwardlytapered along a straight line or constant slope. First side wall 330 hasan angle of taper β₁. Second side wall 340 has an angle of taper β₂.Preferably, taper angle β₁ is from about 5° to about 18°, morepreferably from about 10° to about 15°, and most preferably about 12°.Preferably, taper angle β₂ is from about 5° to about 18°, morepreferably from about 10° to about 15°, and most preferably about 12°.Taper angle β₁ and taper angle β₂ are preferably equal.

During consumer testing of cup assembly 10, unexpected and significantresults occurred from the use of spout 300, as compared to thecontemporary spout designs for the PLAYTEX® and GERBER® spouts shown inFIGS. 15 through 20. It was discovered that spout 300 performedsignificantly better with marked improvement in consumer preference andease of use by infants, compared to both the PLAYTEX® and GERBER®spouts.

The testing included infants between the ages of six (6) months andeighteen (18) months who were provided separate cups having spout 300,the PLAYTEX® spout and the GERBER® spout, for equal periods of times.Consumer preference was tested and the use of the cups and spouts wasobserved by the parent(s), including the ease with which the infantswere able to use the cups and spouts, and the generation of preferredflow rates.

Spout 300 rated higher than the PLAYTEX® and GERBER® spouts at % 80confidence for being easier for the infant to use. Spout 300 ratedhigher than the PLAYTEX® spout at % 80 confidence for preference of theflow-rate achieved by the infant. Cup assembly 10 rated higher than thePLAYTEX® spout at % 95 confidence for ease of drinking. These resultsare of statistical and practical significance.

The embodiment of spout 300 tested had a change in widths w₁, w₂ of 0.97inches−0.69 inches=0.28 inches over a height h₁ of 1.20 inches,resulting in a rate of change of spout width of 0.23. In contrast, thePLAYTEX® spout had a change in widths of 1.30 inches−0.75 inches=0.55inches over a height of 0.875 inches, resulting in a rate of change ofspout width of 0.62. The GERBER® spout had a change in widths of 1.30inches−0.75 inches=0.55 inches over a height of 0.90 inches, resultingin a rate of change of spout width of 0.61.

It was discovered based on the consumer data that the parameter of rateof change of spout width, and, in particular, a lower rate of change ofwidths w₁, w₂ from distal end 370 to proximal end 380 of 0.23, ascompared to the rate of change for the PLAYTEX® and GERBER® spouts of0.62 and 0.61, respectively, was a contributing cause in facilitatingthe use of spout 300 by the infant. In particular, the lower rate ofchange of widths w₁, w₂ of spout 300 promoted lip closure by the infantand facilitated generation of a suction force for achieving a preferredflow-rate.

Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the rate of change ofspout widths w₁, w₂ should preferably be between about 0.10 to about0.60, more preferably between about 0.20 to about 0.30, and mostpreferably be about 0.23.

Additionally, it was further discovered from the consumer data that thearcuate shape of top wall 350 with chamfered edges along the transitionareas between the top wall and the front and rear walls 310, 320 andfirst and second side walls 330, 340, further facilitated the movementof the infant's lips along spout 300, for proper lip approximationresulting in further promotion of lip closure. In contrast, the PLAYTEX®and GERBER® spouts had substantially flat top walls with sharper edgesalong the transition areas between the top wall and the adjoining walls.

The embodiment of spout 300 tested had a change in depths d₁, d₂ of 0.56inches−0.20 inches=0.36 inches over a height h₁ of 1.20 inches,resulting in a rate of change of spout depth of 0.30. In contrast, thePLAYTEX® spout had a change in depths of 1.00 inches−0.30 inches=0.70inches over a height of 0.875 inches, resulting in a rate of change ofspout depth of 0.80. The GERBER® spout had a change in depths of 0.90inches−0.25 inches=0.65 inches over a height of 0.90 inches, resultingin a rate of change of spout depth of 0.72.

It was discovered from the consumer data that the parameter of rate ofchange of spout depth, and, in particular, a lower rate of change ofdepths d₁, d₂ from distal end 370 to proximal end 380 of 0.30, ascompared to the rate of change for the PLAYTEX® and GERBER® spouts of0.80 and 0.72, respectively, was a contributing cause in facilitatingthe use of spout 300 by an infant. In particular, the lower rate ofchange of depths d₁, d₂ of spout 300 promoted lip closure by the infantand facilitated generation of a suction force for achieving a preferredflow-rate.

Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the rate of change ofspout depths d₁, d₂ should preferably be between about 0.10 to about0.70, more preferably between about 0.25 to about 0.50, and mostpreferably be about 0.30.

Also, it was discovered from the above unexpected and significantresults that the parameter of rate of change of spout cross-sectionalarea, and, in particular, a lower rate of change of cross-sectional areaof spout 300, promoted lip closure by the infant, which facilitatedgeneration of a suction force for achieving a preferred flow-rate. Theembodiment of spout 300 tested had an ellipsoidal cross-sectional shape.The area A₁ for an ellipse is equal to π*a*b, where a is the radius ofthe major axis and b is the radius of the minor axis.

Spout 300 has a cross-sectional area A₁ at distal end 370 of aboutπ*(w₁/2)*(d₁/2). Spout 300 has a cross-sectional area A₂ at proximal end380 of about π*(w₂/2)*(d₂/2). The rate of change of cross-sectionalareas A₁, A₂ of spout 300 is (π*(w₁/2)*(d₁/2)−π*(w₂/2)*(d₂/2))/h₁=0.27.In contrast, the PLAYTEX® spout had spout cross-sectional areas of about0.75 inches*0.30 inches=0.225 sq. inches at the distal end, and about1.30 inches*1.00 inches=1.30 sq. inches at the proximal end. Over aheight of 0.875 inches, the PLAYTEX® spout had a rate of change in spoutcross-sectional area of about 1.229. The GERBER® spout had spoutcross-sectional areas of about 0.750 inches*0.250 inches=0.1875 sq.inches at the distal end, and 1.300 inches*0.900 inches=1.170 sq. inchesat the proximal end. Over a height of 0.900 inches, the GERBER® spouthad a rate of change in spout cross-sectional area of about 1.092.

It was discovered from the consumer data that the lower rate of changeof spout cross-sectional areas A₁, A₂ from distal end 370 to proximalend 380 of 0.27, as compared to the rate of change of spoutcross-sectional areas for the PLAYTEX® and GERBER® spouts of 1.229 and1.092, respectively, was a contributing cause in facilitating the use ofspout 300 by an infant.

Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the rate of change ofspout cross-sectional areas A₁, A₂ should preferably be between about0.10 to about 1.0, more preferably between about 0.20 to about 0.50, andmost preferably be about 0.27.

The embodiment of spout 300 tested had taper angles α₁, α₂ for front andrear walls 310, 320 of about 13.5° each, compared to correspondingoverall taper angles for the PLAYTEX® spout of about 18° and 34°, andfor the GERBER® spout of about 16° and 24°. It was discovered based onthe consumer data that the parameter of spout taper angles and, inparticular, the smaller taper angles α₁, α₂ for front and rear walls310, 320, was a contributing cause in facilitating the use of spout 300by an infant, promoting lip closure, and facilitating generation of asuction force for achieving the preferred flow-rate. The smaller taperangles α₁, α₂ for front and rear walls 310, 320 further facilitated themovement of the infant's lips along spout 300 for proper lipapproximation resulting in further promotion of lip closure. It wasfurther discovered that the use of a constant slope for taper angles α₁,α₂ for front and rear walls 310, 320, also facilitated the use of spout300 by an infant.

Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the taper angles α₁,α₂ should preferably be between about 5° to about 15°, more preferablybetween about 10° to about 14°, and most preferably be about 13.5°.

The embodiment of spout 300 tested had taper angles β₁, β₂ for first andsecond side walls 330, 340 of about 12° each, compared to correspondingoverall taper angles for the PLAYTEX® spout of about 12° and 12°, andfor the GERBER® spout of about 20° and 20°. It was discovered from theconsumer data that the parameter of side spout taper angles, and, inparticular, smaller taper angles β₁, β₂ for first and second side walls330, 340 was a contributing cause in facilitating the use of spout 300by an infant, promoting lip closure, facilitating generation of asuction force for achieving the preferred flow-rate, and furtherfacilitating the movement of the infant's lips along spout 300 forproper lip approximation resulting in further promotion of lip closure.It was further discovered that the use of a constant slope for taperangles β₁, β₂ for first and second side walls 330, 340, also facilitatedthe use of spout 300 by an infant.

Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the taper angles β₁,β₂ should preferably be between about 5° to about 18°, more preferablybetween about 10° to about 15°, and most preferably be about 12°.

The embodiment of spout 300 tested had front and rear walls 310, 320that were outwardly convex to form an ellipsoidal cross-sectional shape,compared to the PLAYTEX® and GERBER® spouts which had rear walls thatwere concave. Additionally, front and rear walls 310, 320 had radii ofcurvature r₂, r₃ of 5.0 inches. It was discovered from the consumer datathat the parameters of the shape of the front and rear walls 310, 320and the radii of curvature r₂, r₃ of the front and rear walls, werecontributing causes in facilitating the use of spout 300 by an infant,promoting lip closure, and facilitating generating a suction force forachieving the preferred flow-rate.

Based on the consumer data, it was determined that the radii ofcurvature r₂, r₃ should preferably be between about 3.0 to about 7.0,more preferably between about 4.0 to about 6.0, and most preferably beabout 5.0 inches.

The shape of spout 300, including top wall 350 being arcuate; front wall310 being outwardly convex and inwardly tapered; rear wall 320 beinginwardly tapered; and first and second side walls 330, 340 beinginwardly tapered at substantially equal angles providing symmetry to thespout, was determined to promote better lip approximation and lipclosure for reducing liquid loss. The shape of spout 300 provides forbetter transitioning between bottle-feeding and cup drinking. Earlierpromotion of lip closure in a child's life through the use of spout 300,assists in developing the necessary lip closure for stripping bolusesfrom a spoon and maintaining lip closure for chewing. It was discoveredbased on the consumer data that various combinations of theabove-described parameters were contributing factors in facilitating theuse of spout 300 by an infant, promoting lip closure, and facilitatinggeneration of a suction force for achieving the preferred flow-rate.

The present invention having been thus described with particularreference to the preferred forms thereof, it will be obvious thatvarious changes and modifications may be made therein without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the present invention as defined in theappended claims.

1. A cup lid comprising: a lid body having a lid wall with a top surfaceand a bottom surface opposite said top surface; an annular flange havinga flange wall extending downwardly from said lid wall that isconnectable to a cup, said flange wall having an outer surface and aninner surface opposite said outer surface; a spout extending from saidtop surface, said spout having a front wall, a rear wall, a first sidewall connecting said front wall and said rear wall on a first side, asecond side wall connecting said front wall and said rear wall on asecond side opposite said first side, and a top wall, said top wallbeing connected to said front wall, said rear wall, said first side walland said second side wall, said top wall being an upwardly convex shapeforming chamfered edges with said front wall and said rear wall, whereinsaid first side wall and said second side wall are inwardly taperedtoward said top wall, and wherein said first side wall has an angle oftaper β₁ from about 5° to about 18° and said second side wall has anangle of taper β₂ from about 5° to about 18°.
 2. The cup lid of claim 1,wherein said connection between said lid body and said front wall, saidrear wall, said first side wall and said second side wall is curved. 3.The cup lid of claim 1, wherein said rear wall has an outwardly convexshape with a first radius of curvature and said front wall has anoutwardly convex shape with a second radius of curvature, wherein saidfront wall and said rear wall are aligned so that said first sidewalland said second sidewall are chamfered edges, and wherein said first andsecond radii of curvature are between about 3.0 inches to about 7.0inches.
 4. The cup lid of claim 1, wherein said spout has a proximal endconnected to said lid body and a distal end opposite said proximal endhaving a height from said proximal end to said distal end, and whereinsaid height is from about 0.80 inches to about 1.80 inches.
 5. The cuplid of claim 1, wherein said spout has a proximal end connected to saidlid body and a distal end opposite said proximal end, wherein saidproximal end has a width from said first side wall to said second sidewall and said distal end has a width from said first side wall to saidsecond side wall, and wherein said width of said distal end is fromabout 0.50 inches to about 0.90 inches and said width of said proximalend is from about 0.80 inches to about 1.2 inches.
 6. The cup lid ofclaim 1, wherein said spout has a proximal end connected to said lidbody and a distal end opposite said proximal end, wherein said proximalend has a depth from said front wall to said rear wall and said distalend has a depth from said front wall to said rear wall, and wherein saiddepth of said distal end is from about 0.10 inches to about 0.25 inchesand said depth of said proximal end is from about 0.25 inches to about0.75 inches.
 7. The cup lid of claim 1, wherein said front wall and saidrear walls are inwardly tapered along a substantially straight line orconstant slope, wherein said front wall has an angle of taper α₁ fromabout 5° to about 15° and said rear wall has an angle of taper α₂ fromabout 5° to about 15°.